Tire Load Rating Chart: How to Read Load Index Tires Easily & Choose the Right Tire
Last updated on December 22nd, 2025
When buying new tires, most drivers focus on size and brand—but the tire load rating is just as important. A tire load rating tells you how much weight a single tire can safely carry. This number ensures your tires can handle your vehicle, passengers, and cargo without risking damage or accidents.
Many drivers overlook load ratings because the numbers on the tire sidewall seem confusing or technical. Ignoring them, however, can be risky. Choosing a tire with the wrong load rating can lead to uneven wear, reduced handling, and even blowouts, putting you and your passengers in danger.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to read a tire load rating chart, understand what the numbers mean, and pick the right tires for your vehicle safely and confidently. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to match tires to your car, SUV, or truck without guesswork.
What Is a Tire Load Rating?
A tire load rating (load index) is a numerical code — usually two or three digits — printed on the tire sidewall that corresponds to the tire’s maximum load-carrying capacity (expressed in pounds or kilograms). Higher numbers mean a higher capacity.
For example, a tire with a load index of 87 can carry roughly 1,201 lb (545 kg) at the tire’s rated inflation. The load index itself isn’t weight — it’s a reference number you look up in a chart to see the capacity.
Where to find it
- On the tire sidewall near the size code (e.g., 225/65R17 102H — the 102 is the load index).
- On your vehicle’s tire placard (sticker on driver’s door jamb) and in the owner’s manual; the manufacturer’s placard gives the recommended tire size and cold inflation pressure. Always cross-check both.
How Tire Load Ratings Work
Load Index Numbers Explained
Imagine you’re packing a car for a weekend trip. Each tire has a little number — the load index — that tells you how much weight that tire can safely carry. Think of the number like a size on a superhero’s backpack: bigger number = bigger load.
- What it means: The load index is a code that maps to a weight value (use a load rating chart to read the exact pounds or kilos).
- Why higher = stronger: A higher index simply corresponds to a higher weight capacity.
- Why not listed in pounds on the tire: Tires use this compact code so manufacturers and standards bodies stay consistent worldwide. The chart translates the code into pounds/kilos.
Quick tip: check your vehicle’s placard or owner’s manual to see the minimum load index you should use.
Load Rating vs PSI (Important Safety Context)
Tire pressure (PSI) and load rating work together like a team. The tire’s load capacity is only valid at the correct inflation pressure.
- How pressure helps: Proper PSI lets the tire support its rated load safely.
- Under-inflation danger: Low PSI reduces capacity, makes the tire flex more, heats up faster, and raises the risk of failure.
- Placard PSI vs sidewall MAX PSI:
- Vehicle placard/owner’s manual = the pressure you should use for normal driving and loads.
- Sidewall “MAX PSI” = the absolute maximum the tire can hold — not a recommendation.
- Vehicle placard/owner’s manual = the pressure you should use for normal driving and loads.
Always use the vehicle’s recommended PSI and match tires with the correct load index.
Tire Load Index Chart
What this chart shows: Each load index number corresponds to the maximum weight one tire can safely carry when properly inflated.
| Load Index | Max Load (lbs) | Max Load (kg) |
| 70 | 739 lbs | 335 kg |
| 71 | 761 lbs | 345 kg |
| 72 | 783 lbs | 355 kg |
| 73 | 805 lbs | 365 kg |
| 74 | 827 lbs | 375 kg |
| 75 | 853 lbs | 387 kg |
| 76 | 882 lbs | 400 kg |
| 77 | 908 lbs | 412 kg |
| 78 | 937 lbs | 425 kg |
| 79 | 963 lbs | 437 kg |
| 80 | 992 lbs | 450 kg |
| 81 | 1,019 lbs | 462 kg |
| 82 | 1,047 lbs | 475 kg |
| 83 | 1,074 lbs | 487 kg |
| 84 | 1,102 lbs | 500 kg |
| 85 | 1,135 lbs | 515 kg |
| 86 | 1,168 lbs | 530 kg |
| 87 | 1,201 lbs | 545 kg |
| 88 | 1,235 lbs | 560 kg |
| 89 | 1,279 lbs | 580 kg |
| 90 | 1,323 lbs | 600 kg |
| 91 | 1,356 lbs | 615 kg |
| 92 | 1,389 lbs | 630 kg |
| 93 | 1,433 lbs | 650 kg |
| 94 | 1,477 lbs | 670 kg |
| 95 | 1,521 lbs | 690 kg |
| 96 | 1,565 lbs | 710 kg |
| 97 | 1,609 lbs | 730 kg |
| 98 | 1,653 lbs | 750 kg |
| 99 | 1,709 lbs | 775 kg |
| 100 | 1,764 lbs | 800 kg |
| 101 | 1,819 lbs | 825 kg |
| 102 | 1,874 lbs | 850 kg |
| 103 | 1,929 lbs | 875 kg |
| 104 | 1,984 lbs | 900 kg |
| 105 | 2,039 lbs | 925 kg |
| 106 | 2,094 lbs | 950 kg |
| 107 | 2,149 lbs | 975 kg |
| 108 | 2,205 lbs | 1,000 kg |
| 109 | 2,271 lbs | 1,030 kg |
| 110 | 2,337 lbs | 1,060 kg |
| 111 | 2,403 lbs | 1,090 kg |
| 112 | 2,469 lbs | 1,120 kg |
| 113 | 2,535 lbs | 1,150 kg |
| 114 | 2,601 lbs | 1,180 kg |
| 115 | 2,679 lbs | 1,215 kg |
| 116 | 2,756 lbs | 1,250 kg |
| 117 | 2,833 lbs | 1,285 kg |
| 118 | 2,910 lbs | 1,320 kg |
| 119 | 2,998 lbs | 1,360 kg |
| 120 | 3,086 lbs | 1,400 kg |
| 121 | 3,197 lbs | 1,450 kg |
| 122 | 3,307 lbs | 1,500 kg |
| 123 | 3,417 lbs | 1,550 kg |
| 124 | 3,527 lbs | 1,600 kg |
| 125 | 3,638 lbs | 1,650 kg |
| 126 | 3,748 lbs | 1,700 kg |
How to Read the Tire Load Index Chart Step-by-Step
- Find the load index on your tire
Look at the numbers on the sidewall. For example, in 225/65R17 102H, the 102 is the load index. - Check the chart
Match the load index number to the corresponding weight in pounds or kilograms. This tells you the maximum weight one tire can carry safely. - Multiply by the number of tires
Multiply the single-tire capacity by 4 (or the number of tires on your vehicle) to see the total weight your tires can support. - Compare with your vehicle’s weight
Ensure the total tire capacity is higher than your vehicle’s total weight, including passengers and cargo. - Add a safety margin
It’s a good idea to leave an extra 10–15% buffer for safety.
This simple method ensures your tires are rated correctly for safe driving.
How to Choose the Right Tire Load Rating for Your Vehicle: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this short, practical process to pick a safe tire load rating.
Step-by-step selection process
- Check the vehicle’s specs first. Look at the door jamb placard and owner’s manual for GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), recommended tire size, and any load guidance. Always treat the manufacturer’s specs as the baseline.
- Figure out how much weight you’ll carry. GVWR is the total allowed weight (vehicle + passengers + cargo). If you only know curb weight, add the typical passenger/cargo you expect to carry to estimate the loaded weight.
- Divide the load across the tires. For most cars, divide the total loaded weight by 4 to get the weight each tire must support. If you tow or carry heavy rear loads, focus on the axle that will carry more weight (rear axle often does when towing).
- Add a safety buffer (10–15%). Real life isn’t perfect — add ~10% (or up to 15% for towing/off-road) to the per-tire number to allow for bumps, heat, and slight overloading.
- Pick a load index that meets or exceeds that buffered number. Use a load-rating chart to translate the needed pounds/kg into the correct load index. If in doubt, choose the next higher index—not lower.
Short example: if each tire needs to carry 1,600 lb, add 10% → 1,760 lb. Choose a load index that covers ≥1,760 lb.
Load rating by vehicle type (quick guide)
- Passenger cars (sedans, small hatchbacks): typically load index ~82–91. Good for normal passengers and light cargo.
- SUVs & crossovers: often ~91–100, especially if you carry family gear or roof cargo regularly.
- Pickup trucks: commonly ~97 and up, especially when hauling or towing. Consider Load Range/XL tires for heavy-duty use.
- Vans & work vehicles: look for higher indexes or LT (light-truck) tires—manufacturers often specify heavier-duty ratings.
- Off-road / utility vehicles (ATV/UTV): use tires rated for dynamic loads and rough terrain; pick higher load indexes or tires marked for utility/off-road use.
Load Range vs Load Index
What is Load Range?
- Load range is a letter code (C, D, E, etc.) that shows a tire’s strength and construction, and the approximate maximum inflation it’s designed for.
- Historically those letters matched a ply rating (how many cotton layers the tire had). Today the ply number is mostly historical — the letter now means equivalent strength (e.g., C ≈ 6-ply, D ≈ 8-ply, E ≈ 10-ply) but manufacturers build tires differently.
- Load range also usually tells you the higher allowable inflation pressure compared with a standard passenger tire — useful when carrying heavy loads.
Load Range vs Load Index — key differences
- Load index = a number that translates directly to the exact weight one tire can carry (use a chart to convert).
- Load range = a letter describing tire construction and the tire’s heavy-use capability (and typical max inflation).
- When load range matters more: towing, heavy hauling, commercial use, or off-road work — cases where the tire needs extra strength and higher inflation.
- Which vehicles should prioritize load range: pickups that tow/haul often, vans, light-trucks, RVs, trailers, and fleet/work vehicles. For everyday passenger cars, load index is usually the main concern.
- Common buyer mistakes to avoid:
- Treating load range and load index as the same — they’re different things.
- Assuming a higher load range is always better — it can make the ride stiffer and the tire heavier.
- Using the sidewall “MAX PSI” as your normal operating pressure (don’t — use the vehicle placard).
- Mixing different load ranges or capacities on the same axle.
- Treating load range and load index as the same — they’re different things.
use the load index to confirm a tire can carry the weight you need, and use load range when you need extra construction strength or higher inflation for towing/hauling. If you tow or use your vehicle for work, choose tires with a suitable load range and follow the vehicle maker’s PSI and load recommendations.
Extra Load (XL) vs Standard Load (SL) Tires
What does XL mean?
XL (Extra Load) tires are made to carry more weight than SL (Standard Load) tires of the same size. They do this by being built a bit stronger and by allowing higher air pressure (PSI).
- Higher load at higher PSI: An XL tire can safely carry extra weight only when it’s inflated to the higher pressure it’s designed for.
- When XL tires are necessary:
- Heavier vehicles
- SUVs or crossovers that often carry people and cargo
- Vehicles that tow or haul regularly
- Cars whose manufacturer specifically recommends XL tires
- Heavier vehicles
Always check the door placard or owner’s manual first—if XL is listed, you should use XL.
When you should (and shouldn’t) choose XL tires
Choose XL tires if you:
- Drive a heavier SUV or crossover
- Carry full loads often (family, gear, roof box)
- Tow small trailers or carry extra cargo
- See XL listed in the vehicle’s tire recommendations
Stick with SL tires if you:
- Drive a lighter car for daily commuting
- Rarely carry heavy loads
- Want the smoothest, quietest ride
- Don’t see XL required by the manufacturer
Ride comfort matters: XL tires usually feel firmer because of their stronger build and higher pressure. That can improve stability with heavy loads, but it may reduce ride comfort on daily city driving.
Real-World Examples — practical scenarios
Daily Commuter Sedan
Imagine Jane drives a small sedan to work every day. She usually carries just herself and her laptop bag. For her, a tire with a standard load index is plenty. Using a tire that matches the manufacturer’s recommended load rating keeps her ride smooth, fuel-efficient, and safe. Jane doesn’t need extra-heavy tires because her car is light and the daily loads are small.
Family SUV with Cargo
Now picture the Smith family loading up their SUV for a weekend trip. Mom, dad, two kids, luggage, and maybe a roof box — suddenly the car is heavier. Here, an SUV tire with a higher load index makes sense.
It can safely handle the extra weight, ensuring stability on highways and reducing wear. Choosing the right load rating helps the family avoid tire stress or potential blowouts while packed for adventure.
Pickup Truck That Tows or Hauls
Mike drives a pickup and often hauls lumber or tows his small camper. With all that extra weight on the rear axle, load index and load range become critical. Standard tires won’t cut it — he needs tires that can handle the combined weight of truck, cargo, and trailer.
Using the correct rating keeps his truck safe on the road and prevents tire damage from overloading.
Off-Road / Adventure Driving
Finally, imagine Sarah taking her ATV on rocky trails and muddy tracks. Off-road loads are tricky: every bump and hill adds stress. Tires rated for extra load and reinforced for off-road conditions protect her vehicle and keep her in control.
Even if the ATV isn’t heavy on paper, the dynamic forces of rough terrain make higher-rated tires a smart choice.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Buying by size only: Don’t assume the same physical tire size implies the same load rating. Always check the load index.
- Assuming “higher is always better”: Extremely high load ratings often mean stiffer constructions that may reduce comfort and increase road noise. Choose appropriate, not extreme.
- Mixing load ratings on the same axle: Avoid mixing tires with different load indexes on the same axle — the weakest tire governs the safe load.
- Ignoring inflation: Even a correctly indexed tire won’t meet its rated capacity if underinflated. Check and set cold inflation pressures regularly.
What Happens If You Use the Wrong Load Rating
Safety Risks
Picture Alex driving home on a hot summer afternoon. He’s got a standard tire on his fully loaded SUV, but it’s rated below what the vehicle actually needs. Halfway through the drive, the tire starts to overheat from carrying too much weight. The result?
Reduced grip, harder handling, and a higher risk of a blowout. Using a tire with the wrong load rating can cause accidents, sudden tire failure, or loss of control, especially when the vehicle is loaded or driving at higher speeds.
Performance & Cost Issues
Now imagine the same scenario with Jane, who installed tires with a lower load rating on her pickup truck. Even without an accident, she notices uneven tread wear, her fuel efficiency drops, and she ends up replacing tires sooner than expected.
Tires that don’t match your vehicle’s weight needs can wear faster, affect ride comfort, and cost more in the long run.
Expert tips & next steps
- Always prioritize vehicle manufacturer guidance (placard & owner’s manual). The placard gives the recommended pressures for normal loading; use them unless you have a calculated reason to change (like extra cargo/towing).
- For frequent heavy loads or towing, consider LT (Light Truck) tires or a higher load range with appropriate inflation and consult a tire pro.
- Keep a simple loading worksheet in your glovebox: estimated passenger weight + cargo weight + tongue load = total loaded weight → per-tire requirement.
Final summary
A tire load rating chart is not just technical trivia — it directly affects safety. Reading the chart, calculating the per-tire load for your real-world use, and selecting a tire with an appropriate load index (and load range when needed) are essential steps before buying replacement tires.
Keep tires properly inflated, and when in doubt consult the vehicle manufacturer or a trusted tire professional.
FAQs
Can I use a higher load index than the OEM spec?
Yes — using a higher load index (higher capacity) is safe from a load perspective, but consider ride comfort and compatibility. Don’t exceed wheel or vehicle limits. Always verify with the vehicle manufacturer if unsure.
Is it dangerous to use a lower load rating?
Yes. Lower-rated tires can be overloaded and are at higher risk of failure. Avoid under-rated tires completely.
Do winter tires have different load ratings?
Winter tires have load ratings like any other tire. Ensure the winter tire’s load index meets or exceeds your vehicle’s requirement. Balance traction needs with proper load capacity.
How often should I check tire pressure?
At least monthly and before long trips or towing. Check the cold pressure (after the car has been parked several hours).
